A South African Gardener’s Guide to Growing Tomatoes
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From Seed to Harvest
South Africa’s sunny climate makes it an ideal place to grow a wide variety of delicious tomatoes. Whether you’re planting in the rich soil of your garden or making the most of containers on a patio, tomatoes can thrive with the right care, planning, and companions. In this guide, we’ll explore the difference between determinate and indeterminate tomatoes, give tips on companion planting, and introduce you to some standout tomato varieties to try—including Black Krim, Oxheart, Cherry Falls, Gold Rush Currant, Floradade, Heinz, Money Maker, and Roma VF.
Know the Difference
Determinate vs. Indeterminate Tomatoes
Before selecting your seeds, it’s important to understand the two main growth habits of tomato plants.
Determinate Tomatoes (Bush Types)
Growth Habit: Compact and bushy, these plants grow to a certain height (usually under 120cm) and then stop.
Fruit Production: All the fruit ripens over a short period—perfect for preserving, bottling, or a large harvest.
Care Needs: They typically don’t require heavy staking or pruning.
Examples
Heinz Tomato Seeds – Known for their thick walls and low moisture, excellent for sauces and pastes.
Roma VF Tomato Seeds – A classic Italian-style plum tomato, disease-resistant and perfect for cooking.
Floradade Tomato Seeds – Developed specifically for hot climates like South Africa’s northern provinces.
Cherry Falls Tomato Seeds – A cascading variety ideal for hanging baskets or containers.
Indeterminate Tomatoes (Vining Types)
Growth Habit: Tall, sprawling plants that can reach 180–240cm or more. They keep growing and producing until frost.
Fruit Production: Fruits ripen over an extended season—great for continuous harvest.
Care Needs: Require strong staking, regular pruning, and ongoing support.
Examples
Black Krim Tomato Seeds – A richly flavoured, dark heirloom variety with a smoky-sweet taste.
Oxheart Tomato Seeds – Large, meaty fruits ideal for slicing and fresh eating.
Money Maker Tomato Seeds – A reliable, heavy-yielding variety perfect for beginners.
Gold Rush Currant Tomato Seeds – Tiny golden fruits in abundance; a sweet and unique snacking tomato.
Nature’s Pest Control
Companion Planting
Tomatoes thrive when planted with the right neighbours. Companion planting can improve growth, deter pests, and enhance flavour naturally.
Best Companions for Tomatoes
Basil: Enhances tomato flavour and repels flies and mosquitoes.
Marigolds: Deter nematodes and aphids with their strong scent.
Garlic & Chives: Protect against red spider mites.
Carrots: Loosen soil around tomato roots, helping them breathe.
Lettuce & Spinach: Use the shade from tomato plants to thrive during hot days.
Plants to Avoid Near Tomatoes
Potatoes: Can spread blight.
Fennel: Inhibits tomato growth.
Corn: Can attract tomato fruit worms.
Growing Tips
Sunlight: Choose a spot that gets 6–8 hours of sunlight per day.
Soil: Tomatoes prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0–6.8) enriched with compost or aged manure.
Watering: Deep watering is key—about 2–3 cm per week, depending on weather. Water at the base to avoid fungal issues.
Feeding: Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertiliser once flowers start to form.
Mulching: Helps retain moisture and prevent soil-borne disease splashing onto leaves.
Final Thoughts: Choose Your Varieties with Purpose
Whether you want to make a rich tomato sauce, slice a juicy fruit for sandwiches, or snack on sweet cherry tomatoes, there’s a perfect variety for your garden.
Want bold, unique flavour? Try Black Krim.
Love a meaty slicer? Oxheart is for you.
Growing in containers? Go with Cherry Falls or Gold Rush Currant.
Planning a sauce day? Plant Roma VF or Heinz.
Need an all-round performer? Money Maker is a safe bet.
Battling the heat? Floradade stands up to South African summers.
Tomatoes are more than just a staple crop—they're a joy to grow. With a little planning and a mix of smart companion planting, you can turn your garden into a tomato haven bursting with colour, flavour, and life.